Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker hosted Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar in Vienna on Thursday, marking a commitment by both nations to enhance cooperation and rejuvenate their bilateral ties. This visit, which was Magyar’s second official trip abroad since assuming office, featured meetings with key Austrian figures, business leaders, and regional officials. Accompanying Magyar was a delegation of senior ministers overseeing foreign affairs, economic matters, transport, and environmental policies.
In a joint press conference, Magyar emphasized Hungary’s dedication to becoming a constructive partner within the European Union, while safeguarding its national interests. He highlighted the significance of collaboration within European frameworks and regional alliances. Stocker hailed Magyar’s electoral success as symbolically significant and expressed that closer ties between Austria and Hungary could bolster Central Europe’s standing within the EU. The leaders planned a joint cabinet meeting in Gödöllő, Hungary, in September to enhance political and economic coordination. Magyar also proposed a regional summit involving Visegrád Group countries and potentially including Austria, Croatia, Romania, and Slovenia.
Discussions between the two leaders covered critical issues such as migration, energy policy, and regional security. Both governments advocated for increased cooperation on border management and supported expediting the EU’s expansion into the Western Balkans. In terms of energy, Austria and Hungary called for the enhancement of cross-border infrastructure and diversification of supply networks. They also focused on major transport initiatives, such as improving rail connectivity between Budapest and Vienna and extending road links toward Austria.
Economic relations were a key point of discussion, particularly concerning Hungary’s special taxes impacting Austrian businesses. Magyar acknowledged Hungary’s challenging budgetary environment and expressed the government’s intention to foster a transparent and growth-oriented economic system, encouraging high-value foreign investments. Environmental issues also featured prominently, with discussions on asbestos-contaminated stone shipments from Austrian quarries to western Hungary. Magyar announced the formation of a joint Austrian-Hungarian commission to investigate this matter and oversee remediation efforts. Stocker pledged Austrian cooperation in addressing Hungary’s environmental concerns.